Givenchy mules first debuted last year in New York Fashion Week on the Spring/Summer 2016 runway, where it caused that notorious Candice Swanepoel & other model’s fashion week fall. Nonetheless, these Italian-made Givenchy mules are exquisitely beautiful, featuring a lizard-effect and smooth metallic leather. Pair these with a colorful, monochromatic outfit to accentuate the silver heels.

Laurence Dacade is known for having whimsical and unique prints in her designs. The French designer’s philosophy is “There is no need to suffer for beauty”, and it is apparent in her comfortable shoe styles that are both fashionable & functional.

Check out these darling David Bowie -inspired booties. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know that we are obsessed with Bowie’s style. Wear them with oversized, worn-in denim and a sexy cropped top to balance out the bold style of the boots.

A while back, Trends & Tribulations started the ABC’s of beauty to help educate readers on the many weird, bizarre, and overall unknown ingredients and products on the market. We continue on this segment with the letter B.

BB CREAM

BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Image via NYC Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a bacteria-fighting ingredient found in skincare products to treat acne. It’s made in the scientific laboratory by treating hydrogen peroxide with benzoyl chloride. It is usually found in 2.5 to 10 percent concentrations in acne treatment products.

BETA HYDROXY ACID (BHA)

BHA is a oil-soluble substance that works by exfoliating deep into pores to make room for regeneration of new skin. It is generally less irritating than alpha hydroxy acid. It works best for acne prone skin, since it is soluble in oil, vs. its counterpart, Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which is water-soluble. It can make skin sensitive, so be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using it (keep scrolling for more info).

BIOTIN

Part of the B complex vitamin, also known as vitamin H, it aids in cell growth and production of fatty acids, promoting healthy hair, skin and nails. It is found in products, but can also be taken in pill form.

BOTANICAL

Botanical means plant-derived ingredients in skincare products, haircare and cosmetics. The types of plants they originate from include herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves or seeds. They are most notable for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit sensitive skin with rashes, breakouts, sunburn, eczema, redness, and uneven texture. They are also beneficial to use post-procedure, whether that is a chemical peel, laser, or anything else.

“Brightening” is a term for products that reduce skin redness and uneven pigmentation, typically using ingredients like salicylic or kojic acid.

BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN

Image via SBA blog

Product that protects against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. The SPF number essentially measures how much a sunscreen protects you from sunburn, which is caused solely by UVB rays. UVA is a longer wavelength of sunlight & it consists of 95% of all ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth. Therefore, a broad-spectrum sunscreen is an extremely important product to have to protect your skin from wrinkles and sun spots.

Image via LionessMagazine

Do you have any other questions about products beginning with B? Share in the comments section below!

Swiss-born, Milan-based designer Consuelo Castiglioni, who founded the brand Marni over 20 years ago, stepped down from her position earlier this week to welcome her new replacement, Francesco Risso. While it was rumored that Castiglioni would be stepping down after her runway show this fall, the news has stirred up controversy in the fashion world. Nonetheless, she gave her blessing to Risso, and is confident he will design with her vision in mind.

“I design for an independent woman. She dresses for herself, not to please others or to be judged. She wears Marni because she feels good in it, individual… I don’t like clothes that are tight or fitted, clothes that are about… [she spits out the word] SEX. This you will NEVER find in my collections. There is femininity, but it is an elegant femininity.”

Take these one-of-a-kind sculptural pumps by Marni for example. In a world dominated by sex appeal, they are a refreshing reminder that fashion is not about sex. It is about uniquely expressing one’s individuality through the simplistic art form of dressing.

Halloween always comes up unexpectedly. If you are going to a costume party or going out this weekend, here are 12 DIY costumes you can easily put together using items you most likely already have around.

Delpozo’s new creative director Josep Font has been a breath of fresh air for the brand following Jesus del Pozo’s passing in 2011. He has managed to remain true to the brand’s Spanish roots, with colorful designs and prints, while mixing in feminine and romantic vibes.

These velvet pumps are a perfect example of the playful, yet ladylike aesthetic. These flirty heels are covered in pink and navy velvet, with a 4″ chunky heel. Finish off the look with a below-the-knee skirt and high-collar blouse for a polished, yet refined look.

If you can’t get enough of Fenty x Puma by Rihanna, you’re not alone. With sporty accents, yet feminine silhouettes, the entire line is a game-changer. Wear ’em with cuffed denim and a bomber jacket for the ultimate in athleisure style.

“I always look to the example of Comme des Garçons for what we want to do,” Gvasalia, the head designer of Vetements, explained in a Racked interview. “Steady but slow growth while doing things their own way.”

Vetements, pronounced vet-MAHN is the cool-girl, underground brand that debuted with a boom in 2014(despite Lorde’s twitter feed officially calling the brand “uncool” back in May). With a selection of hoodies, quirky t-shirts, and other miscellaneous items of clothing. Additionally, they make some badass boots. See below.

Vetements Textured-leather ankle boots, $1,710, via Net-a-Porter

I can’t think of a better way to channel your inner street starlet than the look below, socks and all.

“Women, with their intuitive instinct, understood that I dreamed not only of making them more beautiful, but happier too.” -Christian Dior.

Dior is known for their high-quality, intricately designed pieces. A shining example are these Cognac Calfskin Ankle Boots by Dior, a perfect boot to accompany the autumn weather. They first debuted in the Autumn/Winter 2015-2016 runway show, and are composed of calfskin and crocodile. The construction was inspired by the Opanca technique, an old-fashioned way of constructing shoes in which they are hand-sewn and use a double needle sewing technique to attach the sock lining, sole, and upper part of the shoes to each other in one process.

Dior Cognac Calfskin Ankle Boot, price upon request

Wear them with cropped skinny jeans or a long pencil skirt for a refined and sophisticated look.